I jumped into action as a giant, lumbering beast started toward me. Let's call him Big Pappa.
"Come on, Brent. Time to go." I snatched the small dog, dirt from his paws getting on my jacket, and turned to make our escape.
Except Brent didn't want to play along. He jumped out of my arms and barked at me like I'd done him wrong. He ran around behind me and then leapt, nipping at my ass.
What the hell?
Big Pappa crashed through the line of trees, and I took off, hoping Brent might follow me. Leaves and snow squished under my heavy steps as I booked it to the trail. My heavy breathing disrupted the quiet of the woods. My mittens fell from my pocket and hit the leaf-covered ground. I glanced back to say goodbye but didn't risk stopping to grab them.
A stick snapped under my feet and a bu
